"Medieval mixed with Modern" Top 5 Page for this destination Esslingen by antistar

Esslingen Travel Guide: 85 reviews and 249 photos

Despite the chocolate box views of its major medieval attractions, and its long independent history, Esslingen now is a somewhat run down industrial suburb of Stuttgart. I had imagined Esslingen to be something like the other medieval towns that I had visited, such as Brugges or Warwick, so when the shabby station exited onto a concrete car park and sad shopping strip, I was quite surprised. The place is well inclined to tourists, however, and so there were plenty of signs to direct me to its far more presentable medieval heart.

Esslingen

Esslingen sits on the Neckar and has much of the medieval beauty that Stuttgart lost during the heavy bombing of World War 2. The particular highlights for me were the Stadtkirche St Dionys, with its two towers connected by an improbable covered bridge, and the 13th century Burg high up above the city offering views of the beautiful town centre, and the Schwabian Jura and valleys within which Esslingen sits. The town itself is quite pleasant to walk through, especially on a Sunday morning, when the bells of the churches peel through the empty streets of tight, narrow cobble stones.

It's not as glorious as medieval wonders like Tubingen, a further 40 minutes down the same train line. But if you are in Stuttgart and want to see some easily accessible German history, then it's only a quick ride on the S-Bahn away.

Last visit to Esslingen: Nov 2004
Intro Updated Oct 31, 2011
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Reviews (19)

Funny signs Favorites (1)

I know I am purile, but I always get a kick out of the way so many German signs are like this. more travel advice

Stadtarchiv Things to Do (16)

The Stadtarchiv is not only historic in being one of the oldest buildings in town, but also because of what it contains.... more travel advice

Dick Turm Things to Do (16)

Not to be confused with the more interesting Dicker Turm, this is a reminder of Esslingen's more modern industrial... more travel advice

Munster St Paul's Things to Do (16)

This ministry with its clean, simple lines was built directly in the former city walls, and was first consecrated by... more travel advice

Transportation (1)
Public Transport

Warnings Or Dangers (1)
Homelessness

Comments (7)

ATXtraveler Feb 23, 2008 at 1:21 PM Report Abuse

Nice commentary on Dick. Sorry I missed this little part of Stuttgart!
smithbille Sep 27, 2007 at 5:42 PM Report Abuse

did you count how many steps i did once but forgot i think 297
talljoan Nov 27, 2006 at 3:02 PM Report Abuse

Very pretty. would love to arrange to go there in May 2007. My ancestry "Munk" is from there.
pbyrne1107 Jul 21, 2005 at 1:45 PM Report Abuse

Scruffy in parts - yes... Less so than many other places. We have no issues walking late. Homeless: unlike the Stuttgart Bahnhof where there are numerous hardcores, the Esslingen ones are either from the community or are migrating through.
tiger9090a Jun 20, 2005 at 10:32 AM Report Abuse

Wow Tim! Great pic of the Bridge Houses! Good to know you liked the yellow house :---) Of course I don't understand what you mean with the funny signs tip though...Can you please elaborate a bit more? :-P -------> Cheers, R.
Karin1S Feb 28, 2005 at 9:42 AM Report Abuse

Hi, no restaurants and no night-life? What did you done when you were there? Greetings from Berlin
bugulma Nov 2, 2004 at 2:22 AM Report Abuse

By chance I've seen you've built Esslingen's tips and decided to remind the town I've been to in the beginning of the year. Nice page. I see you enjoyed bridges across the Neckar too.